Dave Weisser (trumpet, flugel & vocals),
Don Forbes (trumpet), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Barrie Ascroft
(keyboards), Paul Grainger (double bass) & Ian Forbes (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Having heard the great guitars of
James Birkett and Bradley Johnston at the Lit and Phil there was still time to
dash to the Chilli and catch some of Dave Weisser’s weekly workshop. In the
downstairs bar canned music blared out. A pint of Rivet Catcher (Jarrow
Brewery). Ascending the stairs the workshop’s second half was under way.
Trumpeter Don Forbes blew, no sign of Dave Weisser. However DW was in the
building – the give-away being his Miles t-shirt draped, as ever, over the back
of a chair. Weisser reappeared (he’d been to the ‘john’, as his fellow
Americans would say).
Forbes played the intro with keys
man ‘Bazza’ Ascroft on Tenderly,
Weisser sang (he would appear to know the lyrics to a vast number of tunes).
Drummer Ian Forbes and bassist Paul Grainger worked in the engine room on the
night. Forbes, a wise-cracking eccentric veteran, plays drums better than many
half his age; brushwork, Modernist hi-hat, every trick in the book. Oleo heard earlier in town at the Lit
& Phil resurfaced at the Chilli. Ascroft and Forbes led the charge and Paul
Grainger got stuck in during an exchange with Forbes (Ian). Altoist Rachel
Richman stated the theme on My Foolish
Heart as Weisser once more delved deep into his lyrics’ memory bank. One of
Bebop Spoken Here’s duties is to note
the passing of musicians, be it from the north east region, nationally or
internationally. On the day the news broke about the death of Mick Danby it was
fitting that Dave Weisser should dedicate the evening to his friend and former
band mate.
Russell.
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